USSTC has worked hard to build a relationship with the farmers who supply tobacco. One hundred percent of the tobacco we purchase for our moist smokeless tobacco products is grown in the U.S.
Through our direct contracting program known as the Tobacco Leaders Program, we encourage consistent high quality, innovation, efficiency and open communications between the company and its growers.
USSTC works with tobacco growers to:
- Promote the production of high-quality tobacco using responsible environmental and labor management practices
- Encourage innovation on the farm for greater efficiency and improved quality
- Understand the challenges growers face and advance solutions that make sense both for growers and our business
- University extension. PM USA and USSTC contribute funding to universities and support extension programs to promote the availability of quality information for tobacco growers in areas that include worker safety and labor management.
- Taking root. PM USA and USSTC’s Taking Root program strengthens their supply base within the next generation of growers. Growers participate in leadership development sessions and learn more about these companies' businesses.
- Scholarships. We recognize the importance of growers to our business through our grower recognition program and educational scholarships. These scholarships have benefited more than 350 families, helping preserve the American tradition of the family farm.
We listen to growers and help them be more productive. We are proud of our contributions to the tobacco economy in Kentucky and Tennessee and the role we play in helping keep the farm economy strong.
